Practicum placement at UM-St. Louis is a structured, self-selection process. Before students contact social service agencies to inquire about field placements, they must participate in a planning process designed to help clarify their goals and interests, and to assess their readiness to begin practicum. Students are required to attend mandatory practicum planning meetings that are held during the semester prior to starting their first practicum. These meetings assist the student with selection of the practicum site and development of the learning agreement. Each student completes an application for the practicum and meets with their assigned faculty advisor to ensure that all academic requirements for starting practicum have been completed. Students are encouraged to attend the annual practicum and career fair to learn about potential placements sites.

Assistant Director of Field Education, Courtney McDermott with
BSW student Donna Vanover at the
St. Louis County Justice Center.
Donna decorated the window to raise awareness that
April is Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention Month,
Sexual Assault Awareness Month, and Crime Victims Month.